Fuzzy controller system utilization to increase the hydrogen production bioreactor capacity: toward sustainability and low carbon technology

Abstract The utilization of bio-hydrogen as a fuel source holds immense promise as a renewable energy option, offering compelling economic and environmental advantages. This study investigates the economic and environmental advantages of bio-hydrogen as a renewable energy source compared to fossil fuels, focusing on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. The enhancement of anaerobic hydrogen production reactor capacity is explored through the application of a fuzzy controller system. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the fuzzy controller outperforms other methods in augmenting biological hydrogen production, effectively addressing the inherent non-linear characteristics of the system. In contrast, limitations in robustness against system uncertainty are observed with the non-linear controller. Exceptional tracking of desired values by the fuzzy controller, even in the presence of model uncertainty, results in a lower integral of time multiplied by squared error (ITSE) performance index compared to non-linear and proportional–integral controllers. Emphasizing the viability of the fuzzy method for regulating hydrogen production processes, potential gains of up to 95% in biological hydrogen production are indicated compared to open-loop configurations. This clean-burning fuel holds promise for industrial applications, contributing to the reduction of harmful gas emissions. The findings underscore the transformative potential of the fuzzy controller system in advancing sustainable hydrogen production and its significant role in addressing environmental concerns.